My opinions about the use of technology in the classroom have been shaped somewhat by my own experiences of it in the classroom. I think that educational videos, access to the internet for research and activities that reinforce learning, and communication devices all have a place either in the classroom or as a resource outside of it. For example, the Bill Nye videos I watched in science really helped to reinforce the concepts I was learning, so I think that anything that helps students visualize what they are learning is appropriate and helpful in the classroom. My experience with using the internet as a source for verifying and researching information helped me to complete assignments, and I think that is a valuable resource to have in the classroom. Communication through e-mail, social networking sites, and cell phones help students and teachers to communicate about projects, homework, etc. This has been extremely necessary, especially in college.
However, I don't think that all technology is apprpriate in the classroom, and this relates to my technobiography. Although I use technology often, I do not think I am an expert at using a computer, a cell phone, a DVD player, etc. I feel that if those things were mandatory, I would not be good enough at using them to efficiently integrate them into the classroom. If I was expected to teach students how to use certain technologies, I don't think I would be able to clearly explain them since I do not understand them myself. I feel like students should not always use computers or calculators when they can get the answer easily enough without them.
My technobiography mentions that I use technology in my everyday life. Because of this, I do believe that technologies which are necessary for use in everyday life are appropriate in school. This includes how to use a computer to type a paper, look up information, find pictures, and send e-mails. However, I don't think it is appropriate to teach students how to use computer programs that will not be used often just for the purpose of integrating technology. That might be a waste of time that could be spent on more valuable instruction.
I think the only connection between my technobiography and my experiences with technology in the classrom is that both of them list technologies that I could use in everyday life either for communication or learning. Therefore, that is what shaped my views about what technology is appropriate to use in the classroom.
-Chrissy C
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I never really thought about not wanting to use technology in my classroom because I wasn't familiar with the technology. I agree with what you said, after thinking about it I would never want to use some kindof technology without becoming familiar with it first. I have been in too many classrooms where the teacher had no clue of what they were doing with the computer or the projector, or the tv, or any other kind of technology they used that specific day. I think that to use the technology is great, but to be familiar with it before you present something to students is key. I also agree with the part about students should learn how to use the computer to type a paper, look up information, find picutes, and send emails because I think that those tasks are important for communication and for the development of the student into the future.
ReplyDeleteI thought you brought up a good point in that you are worried about not being able to use all of the technologies that may or may not be integrated in the classroom. This causes a problem because I am sure many people feel this way. With technology growing so quickly, what should schools do (if anything) to educate the teachers about these new technologies? Since technology can be such a great resource in the classroom, I think it's important for teachers to do their best to keep up and know basics of the new technologies, but I also think the school systems need to step in and at least have some sort of class/seminar on how to effectively use them.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I think its really important that if teachers plan on integrating technology within their classroom, they need to become familiar with it first. Most importantly, students take in everything teachers do and say. If a teacher if unfamiliar with using a certain piece of technology, it will reflect upon the student. It was also good to read that you feel one of the most important uses of technology is for internet access. I think that internet access has and still helps all people in the world learn continuosly everyday.
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